U.S. patent application number 12/734456 was filed with the patent office on 2010-09-16 for structural member joint structure.
Invention is credited to Eiji Kashiwagi, Takeshi Munakata, Nobuyuki Osada.
Application Number | 20100229496 12/734456 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40591033 |
Filed Date | 2010-09-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100229496 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Munakata; Takeshi ; et
al. |
September 16, 2010 |
STRUCTURAL MEMBER JOINT STRUCTURE
Abstract
A structural member joint structure can easily join members to
each other by using a simple structure having a reduced number of
parts and can provide the members with a large fastening force
which makes the members less likely to be loosened from each other.
The joint structure is used to join one pillar and the other pillar
to each other such that the other member is vertically abutted
against a side face of the one pillar. The structure has a pair of
fastening members positioned in the inside of the other pillar and
arranged so as to be movable in the widthwise direction of a groove
formed in a side face of the one pillar, a nut mechanism located on
the inward side of the other pillar and formed between the pair of
fastening members, and a bolt operated from the outside through an
opening in the other pillar to be fitted into the nut mechanism.
Rotating the bolt causes the nut mechanism to urge and move the
pair of fastening members in the direction in which the pair is
separated from each other. This causes engagement projections
respectively arranged on ends of the pair of fastening members to
engage with engagement recesses respectively arranged at lateral
opposite ends of the groove in the one pillar. Thus, the pillars
are joined to each other.
Inventors: |
Munakata; Takeshi;
(Shizuoka, JP) ; Kashiwagi; Eiji; (Shizuoka,
JP) ; Osada; Nobuyuki; (Shizuoka, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCGINN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW GROUP, PLLC
8321 OLD COURTHOUSE ROAD, SUITE 200
VIENNA
VA
22182-3817
US
|
Family ID: |
40591033 |
Appl. No.: |
12/734456 |
Filed: |
October 29, 2008 |
PCT Filed: |
October 29, 2008 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2008/069658 |
371 Date: |
May 3, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/705 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B 1/5831 20130101;
Y10T 403/7067 20150115; F16B 2200/205 20180801; Y10T 403/4602
20150115; E04B 2001/5881 20130101; F16B 7/187 20130101; F16B 37/045
20130101; E04B 2/766 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/705 |
International
Class: |
E04B 1/38 20060101
E04B001/38 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 2, 2007 |
JP |
2007-285882 |
Claims
1. A structural member joint structure for joining one pillar and
another pillar to each other, in a form that said other pillar is
vertically abutted against a side face of said one pillar,
comprising: a pair of fastening members positioned in the inside of
said other pillar and arranged so as to be movable in the widthwise
direction of a groove formed in a side face of said one pillar; a
nut mechanism positioned in the inside of said other pillar and
also positioned between said pair of fastening members; and a bolt
operated from the outside through an opening formed in said other
pillar to be engaged with said nut mechanism, wherein, rotating of
said bolt causes said nut mechanism to force and move said pair of
fastening members in the direction in which said pair of fastening
members is separated from each other, whereby engage projections,
respectively arranged on ends of said pair of fastening members,
move to be engaged with engagement recesses respectively arranged
at Widthwise opposite ends of said groove in said one pillar, so as
join said one pillar and said other pillar to each other.
2. The structural member joint structure as claimed in claim 1,
wherein: said nut mechanism includes a pair of intermediate forcing
members, positioned in the inside of said other pillar and also
positioned between said pair of fastening members, respectively
including taper surfaces facing to a pair of taper surfaces of each
of said pair of fastening members, and also including another taper
surface so as to be facing to each other oppositely; and a nut,
positioned between said pair of intermediate forcing members, and
including a pair of taper surfaces respectively facing to said
other taper surface of each of said pair of intermediate forcing
members, wherein, said nut moves closer to said bolt by engagement
of said bolt with said nut, whereby a force is applied to said pair
of intermediate forcing members to move in the direction in which
said pair of intermediate forcing members is separated from each
other through interaction between said taper surfaces of said nut
and said taper surfaces of said pair of intermediate forcing
members, and said movement of said pair of intermediate forcing
members in the direction to be separated from each other forces
said pair of fastening members to move in the direction in which
said pair of fastening members is separated from each other through
interaction between said taper surfaces of said pair of
intermediate forcing members and said taper surfaces of said pair
of fastening members.
3. The structural member joint structure as claimed in claim 2,
wherein: said pair of intermediate forcing members moves in the
lengthwise direction along said other pillar, whereby said pair of
fastening members moves in the widthwise direction along said
groove.
4. The structural member joint structure as claimed in claim 2,
wherein: each of said pair of intermediate forcing members includes
guide grooves, and said nut includes guides to be in movable
engagement with said guide grooves.
5. The structural member joint structure as claimed in claim 2,
wherein: each of said pair of fastening members includes a concave
part, and said taper surfaces have been formed in the inside of
said concave part, and said pair of intermediate forcing members
and said nut are incorporated in said concave part.
6. The structural member joint structure as claimed in claim 1,
wherein: said nut mechanism includes a pair of nuts positioned in
the inside of said other pillar and also positioned between said
pair of fastening members, in a form that a taper surface of each
of nuts is oppositely facing to each other, wherein rotating of
said bolt moves said pair of nuts in the outward direction through
interaction of said taper surfaces of said pair of nuts, which
forces said pair of fastening members, positioned at the outside
thereof, to move in the direction in which said pair of fastening
members is separated from each other.
7. The structural member joint structure as claimed in claim 6,
wherein: said pair of nuts are positioned accumulatively in the
axial direction of said bolt, in a form that respective taper
surface is in tight contact with each other, and through engagement
rotation of said bolt, said nut on the removed side from said bolt
moves closer to the side of said bolt, whereby said pair of nuts
moves in the outward direction, and said pair of fastening members,
positioned at the outside thereof, moves in the direction in which
said pair of fastening members is separated from each other.
8. The structural member joint structure as claimed in claim 6,
wherein: each of said pair of fastening members includes a an
attachment recess for attaching said pair of nuts.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a structural member joint
structure for joining, for example, one pillar and another pillar
to each other, in a form that the end face of other pillar is
vertically abutted against a side face of the one pillar. In
particular, the present invention relates to the structural member
joint structure, which can easily join members to each other by
using a simple structure having a reduced number of parts, and
which can provide the members with a large fastening force so as to
make the members less likely to be loosened from each other.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] When joining one pillar and another pillar to each other,
for example in a form that the end face of other pillar is
vertically abutted against a side face of the one pillar, there has
been a structure in which the end face of other pillar is first
abutted against a side face of the one pillar, and at the corners
of the abutted position, substantially triangular shape of brackets
are attached and fixed by fastening screws.
[0003] There has been another joint structure, in which a dovetail
joint groove has been formed in the one pillar, and a joint body,
of which end' part elongates away from the dovetail joint groove,
is engaged with the dovetail joint groove. Then, the end face of
the other pillar is abutted against the side face of the one
pillar, and the end part of the joint body is fixed by fastening
screws at a predetermined position in the dovetail joint groove of
the other pillar.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Problems to be Solved by Invention
[0004] The prior arts as disclosed above have the following
problems.
[0005] First, with reference to the first prior art, for using one
bracket, the one pillar and also the other pillar respectively
require the fastening screws, thus a large number of fastening
screws must be used. In addition, such large number of fastening
screws should be fastened by using any joining tool, which would
require laborious and time-wasting work.
[0006] Further, according to the first prior art, the fastening of
brackets should be done by maintaining the state that the end face
of the other pillar is abutted against the side face of the one
pillar. Thus the state of each pillar is unstable, which would
cause poor work efficiency.
[0007] Also, with reference to the second prior art, the fastening
of joint body should be done by maintaining the state that the end
face of the other pillar is abutted against the side face of the
one pillar, and the state of each pillar is still unstable, which
would cause poor work efficiency.
[0008] There has been several other prior arts for solving the
problems as discussed above, for example, such as those disclosed
in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, each of which
application has been filed by the applicant of the present
invention:
[0009] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication
No. 2002-61302
[0010] Patent Document 2: Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication
No. 2007-154924
[0011] In the light of the above problems as discussed above, it is
an object of the present invention to provide the structural member
joint structure, which can easily join members to each other by
using a simple structure having a reduced number of parts, and
which can provide the members with a large fastening force so as to
make the members less likely to be loosened from each other.
Means to Solve the Problem
[0012] To achieve the objects mentioned above, according to claim 1
of the present invention, there is a structural member joint
structure for joining one pillar and another pillar to each other,
in a form that the other pillar is vertically abutted against a
side face of the one pillar, comprising, a pair of fastening
members positioned in the inside of the other pillar and arranged
so as to be movable in the widthwise direction of a groove formed
in a side face of the one pillar; a nut mechanism positioned in the
inside of the other pillar and also positioned between the pair of
fastening members; and a bolt operated from the outside through an
opening formed in the other pillar to be engaged with the nut
mechanism. When the bolt rotates, the nut mechanism forces and
moves the pair of fastening members in the direction in which the
pair of fastening members is separated from each other, whereby
engage projections, respectively arranged on ends of the pair of
fastening members, move to be engaged with engagement recesses
respectively arranged at widthwise opposite ends of the groove in
the one pillar, so as join the one pillar and the other pillar to
each other.
[0013] According to claim 2 of the present invention, there is the
structural member joint structure of claim 1, further characterized
in that, the nut mechanism is composed of a pair of intermediate
forcing members, positioned in the inside of the other pillar and
also positioned between the pair of fastening members, respectively
having taper surfaces facing to a pair of taper surfaces of each of
the pair of fastening members, and also having another taper
surface so as to be facing to each other oppositely; and a nut,
positioned between the pair of intermediate forcing members, and
having a pair of taper surfaces respectively facing to the other
taper surface of each of the pair of intermediate forcing members.
When the nut moves closer to the bolt by engagement of the bolt
with the nut, a force is applied to the pair of intermediate
forcing members to move in the direction in which the pair of
intermediate forcing members is separated from each other through
interaction between the taper surfaces of the nut and the taper
surfaces of the pair of intermediate forcing members. Also, the
movement of the pair of intermediate forcing members in the
direction to be separated from each other, forces the pair of
fastening members to move in the direction in which the pair of
fastening members is separated from each other through interaction
between the taper surfaces of the pair of intermediate forcing
members and the taper surfaces of the pair of fastening
members.
[0014] According to claim 3 of the present invention, there is the
structural member joint structure as claimed in claim 2, further
characterized in that, the pair of intermediate forcing members
moves in the lengthwise direction along the other pillar, whereby
the pair of fastening members moves in the widthwise direction
along the groove.
[0015] According to claim 4 of the present invention, there is the
structural member joint structure as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3,
further characterized in that, each of the pair of intermediate
forcing members has guide grooves, and the nut has guides to be in
movable engagement with the guide grooves.
[0016] According to claim 5 of the present invention, there is the
structural member joint structure as claimed in any one claim among
claim 2 through claim 4, further characterized in that, each of the
pair of fastening members has concave part, and the taper surfaces
have been formed in the inside of the concave part, and the pair of
intermediate forcing members and the nut are incorporated in the
concave part.
[0017] According to claim 6 of the present invention, there is the
structural member joint structure as claimed in claim 1, further
characterized in that, the nut mechanism is composed of a pair of
nuts positioned in the inside of the other pillar and also
positioned between the pair of fastening members, in a form that a
taper surface of each of nuts is oppositely facing to each other.
When the bolt rotates, the pair of nuts moves in the outward
direction through interaction of the taper surfaces of the pair of
nuts, which forces the pair of fastening members, positioned at the
outside thereof, to move in the direction in which the pair of
fastening members is separated from each other.
[0018] According to claim 7 of the present invention, there is the
structural member joint structure as claimed in claim 6, further
characterized in that, the pair of nuts are positioned
accumulatively in the axial direction of the bolt, in a form that
respective taper surface is in tight contact with each other, and
through engagement rotation of the bolt, the nut on the removed
side from the bolt moves closer to the side of the bolt, whereby
the pair of nuts moves in the outward direction, and the pair of
fastening members, positioned at the outside thereof, moves in the
direction in which the pair of fastening members is separated from
each other.
[0019] And according to claim 8 of the present invention, there is
the structural member joint structure as claimed in claim 6 or
claim 7, further characterized in that, each of the pair of
fastening members has an attachment recess for attaching the pair
of nuts.
EFFECT OF THE INVENTION
[0020] As discussed above, according to the structural member joint
structure of claim 1 of the present invention, the structural
member joint structure for joining one pillar and another pillar to
each other, in a form that the other pillar is vertically abutted
against a side face of the one pillar, is provided with: a pair of
fastening members positioned in the inside of the other pillar and
arranged so as to be movable in the widthwise direction of a groove
formed in a side face of the one pillar; a nut mechanism positioned
in the inside of the other pillar and also positioned between the
pair of fastening members; and a bolt operated from the outside
through an opening formed in the other pillar to be engaged with
the nut mechanism. The rotating of the bolt causes the nut
mechanism to force and move the pair of fastening members in the
direction in which the pair of fastening members is separated from
each other, whereby engage projections, respectively arranged on
ends of the pair of fastening members, move to be engaged with
engagement recesses respectively arranged at widthwise opposite
ends of the groove in the one pillar, so as join the one pillar and
the other pillar to each other. Accordingly, a desired joint state
can be obtained by using less number of parts. In particular, the
desired joint state can be obtained by using the pair of fastening
members, the nut mechanism and the bolt, which may contribute to
easier parts management and lower cost.
[0021] The nut and the bolt have been engaged with each other, and
the pair of fastening members is placed on the groove, and they are
concealed by the other pillar. And then, a desired joint state can
be obtained by simple rotation of the bolt through the opening of
the other pillar. Thus the joint work may be facilitated, and the
reduction of labor and time can be accomplished.
[0022] Further, the nut and the bolt have been engaged with each
other, and the pair of fastening members is placed on the groove,
and they are concealed by the other pillar. Thus the stable
condition during joint work can be secured.
[0023] The function of the nut mechanism, as well as the engagement
of the engagement projections of the pair of fastening members with
the engagement recesses of the groove, serve for strong joint state
to each other.
[0024] According to the structural member joint structure of claim
2, in regard to the structural member joint structure of claim 1,
the nut mechanism is composed of a pair of intermediate forcing
members, positioned in the inside of the other pillar and also
positioned between the pair of fastening members, respectively
having taper surfaces facing to a pair of taper surfaces of each of
the pair of fastening members, and also having another taper
surface so as to be facing to each other oppositely. The nut
mechanism is also composed of a nut, positioned between the pair of
intermediate forcing members, and having a pair of taper surfaces
respectively facing to the other taper surface of each of the pair
of intermediate forcing members. When the nut moves closer to the
bolt by engagement of the bolt with the nut, a force is applied to
the pair of intermediate forcing members to move in the direction
in which the pair of intermediate forcing members is separated from
each other through interaction between the taper surfaces of the
nut and the taper surfaces of the pair of intermediate forcing
members. Also, the movement of the pair of intermediate forcing
members in the direction to be separated from each other, forces
the pair of fastening members to move in the direction in which the
pair of fastening members is separated from each other through
interaction between the taper surfaces of the pair of intermediate
forcing members and the taper surfaces of the pair of fastening
members. Thus the effect as discussed above may surely be
obtained.
[0025] According to the structural member joint structure of claim
3, in regard to the structural member joint structure of claim 2,
the pair of intermediate forcing members moves in the lengthwise
direction along the other pillar, whereby the pair of fastening
members moves in the widthwise direction along the groove. Thus the
effect as discussed above may surely be obtained.
[0026] According to the structural member joint structure of claim
4, in regard to the structural member joint structure of claim 2 or
claim 3, each of the pair of intermediate forcing members has guide
grooves, and the nut has guides to be in movable engagement with
the guide grooves. Therefore, it is possible to prevent any
misalignment of the pair of intermediate forcing members and the
nut, whereby the joint work may be facilitated.
[0027] According to the structural member joint structure of claim
5, in regard to the structural member joint structure of any one
claim among claim 2 through claim 4, each of the pair of fastening
members has concave part, and the taper surfaces have been formed
in the inside of the concave part, and the pair of intermediate
forcing members and the nut are incorporated in the concave part.
Therefore, the prevention of misalignment, as well as the
facilitated joint work, may be accomplished. According to the
structural member joint structure of claim 6, in regard to the
structural member joint structure of claim 1, the nut mechanism is
composed of a pair of nuts positioned in the inside of the other
pillar and also positioned between the pair of fastening members,
in a form that a taper surface of each of nuts is oppositely facing
to each other. When the bolt rotates, the pair of nuts moves in the
outward direction through interaction of the taper surfaces of the
pair of nuts, which forces the pair of fastening members,
positioned at the outside thereof, to move in the direction in
which the pair of fastening members is separated from each other.
Thus the effect of claim 1 as discussed above may be obtained
securely, and the number of required parts may be reduced still
further.
[0028] Acceding to the structural member joint structure of claim
7, in regard to the structural member joint structure of claim 6,
the pair of nuts are positioned accumulatively in the axial
direction of the bolt, in a form that respective taper surface is
in tight contact with each other, and through engagement rotation
of the bolt, the nut on the removed side from the bolt moves closer
to the side of the bolt, whereby the pair of nuts moves in the
outward direction, and the pair of fastening members, positioned at
the outside thereof, moves in the direction in which the pair of
fastening members is separated from each other. Thus the above
effect may be obtained securely.
[0029] And according the structural member joint structure of claim
8, in regard to the structural member joint structure of claim 6 or
claim 7, each of the pair of fastening members has an attachment
recess for attaching the pair of nuts. Therefore, the prevention of
misalignment, as well as the facilitated joint work, may be
accomplished.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0030] [FIG. 1] A front view showing a joint state in which an end
face of another pillar has been abutted against a side face of one
pillar, according to a first embodiment of the present
invention.
[0031] [FIG. 2] A side view showing the joint state in which the
end face of the other pillar has been abutted against the side face
of the one pillar, according to the first embodiment of the present
invention.
[0032] [FIG. 3] An exploded perspective view showing the joint
state in which the end face of the other pillar has been abutted
against the side face of the one pillar, according to the first
embodiment of the present invention.
[0033] [FIG. 4] A front view showing a state that a pair of
intermediate forcing members and a nut have been assembled,
according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0034] [FIG. 5] A side view showing the state that the pair of
intermediate forcing members and the nut have been assembled,
according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0035] [FIG. 6] A front section view showing the joint state in
which the end face of the other pillar has been abutted against the
side face of the one pillar, and also showing a function, according
to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0036] [FIG. 7] A front view showing a joint state in which an end
face of another pillar has been abutted against a side face of one
pillar, according to a second embodiment of the present
invention.
[0037] [FIG. 8] A side view showing the joint state in which the
end face of the other pillar has been abutted against the side face
of the one pillar, according to the second embodiment of the
present invention.
[0038] [FIG. 9] An exploded perspective view showing the joint
state in which the end face of the other pillar has been abutted
against the side face of the one pillar, according to the second
embodiment of the present invention.
[0039] [FIG. 10] An exploded front view showing the joint state in
which the end face of the other pillar has been abutted against the
side face of the one pillar, according to the second embodiment of
the present invention.
[0040] [FIG. 11] A front view showing a structure of a pair of nuts
according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
[0041] [FIG. 12] A front section view showing the joint state in
which the end face of the other pillar has been abutted against the
side face of the one pillar, and also showing a function, according
to the second embodiment of the present invention.
EXPLANATION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS AND SIGNS
[0042] 1 one pillar 7 side face
[0043] 9 groove
[0044] 11 engagement recess
[0045] 1' one pillar
[0046] 7' side face
[0047] 9' groove
[0048] 11' engagement recess
[0049] 21 opening
[0050] 31 intermediate forcing member
[0051] 33 guide groove
[0052] 35 taper surface
[0053] 39 taper surface
[0054] 41 nut
[0055] 43 guide
[0056] 45 taper surface
[0057] 47 female screw
[0058] 51 fastening member
[0059] 53 concave part
[0060] 55 taper surface
[0061] 65 engagement projection
[0062] 71 bolt
[0063] 101 one pillar
[0064] 107 side face
[0065] 109 groove
[0066] 111 engagement recess
[0067] 101' one pillar
[0068] 107' side face
[0069] 109' groove
[0070] 111' engagement recess
[0071] 123 fastening member
[0072] 127 engagement projection
[0073] 131 nut
[0074] 133 taper surface
[0075] 139 bolt
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0076] A first embodiment of the present invention will now be
discussed with reference to FIG. 1 through FIG. 6. There is one
pillar 1, and the cross section shape of the one pillar 1 is
substantially square, of which center is hollow. Accordingly, there
is a cavity 3 at the center of the one pillar 1. The cavity 3 has
been formed elongating in the lengthwise direction of the one
pillar 1. There are other cavities 5, formed respectively at four
corners of the one pillar 1 as seen from the cross section. These
four cavities 5 have also been formed elongating in the lengthwise
direction of the one pillar 1.
[0077] The one pillar 1 has four side faces 7, each of which having
a respective groove 9. There are engagement recesses 11, 11 formed
at the both ends in the widthwise direction of the groove 9.
[0078] Another pillar 1' is vertically abutted against any one side
face 7 selected arbitrarily, of the one pillar 1, so that each
pillar may join to each other. The other pillar 1' has the same
shape as that of the one pillar 1 discussed above, and the same
reference numerals, with additional marking ('), are used for the
same parts in the drawings. There is an opening 21 in one specified
groove 9' of the other pillar 1', and a bolt (discussed
hereinafter) is operated through this opening 21.
[0079] There is a pair of intermediate forcing members 31, 31,
respectively positioned at the upper part and the lower part of
FIG. 3, on the one side face 7 selected arbitrarily, of the one
pillar 1. There are guide grooves 33, 33, formed in one
intermediate forcing member 31, among the pair of intermediate
forcing members 31, 31. Similarly, there are also guide grooves 33,
33, formed in the other intermediate forcing member 31. A taper
surface 35 has been formed between the guide grooves 33, 33. Also,
there is a recess 37 having semicircular cross sectional shape on
the taper surface 35. Further, there are other taper surfaces 39,
39 formed on the outer surface of one intermediate forcing member
31 among the pair of intermediate forcing members 31, 31.
Similarly, the other intermediate forcing member 31 also has taper
surfaces 39, 39 formed on the outer surface thereof.
[0080] There is a nut 41 positioned between the pair of
intermediate forcing members 31, 31. The nut 41 has guides 43, 43,
43, 43 engaged to be movable with guide grooves 33, 33, formed on
the pair of intermediate forcing members 31, 31 respectively. The
upper and lower surfaces of the nut 41 as seen by the drawings
respectively form taper surfaces 45, 45. These taper surfaces 45,
45 are positioned to face oppositely to the taper surfaces 35, 35
of the pair of intermediate forcing members 31, 31 discussed above.
There is a female screw 47 formed on the nut 41.
[0081] There is a pair of fastening members 51, 51, positioned to
sandwich the pair of intermediate forcing members 31, 31, from the
right side and the left side as seen in FIG. 3. As illustrated in
FIG. 6, the pair of fastening members 51, 51 respectively has
concave parts 53, 53. The concave part 53 has taper surfaces 55,
55. The taper surfaces 55, 55 are positioned to face oppositely to
the taper surfaces 39, 39, respectively, of the pair of
intermediate forcing members 31, 31 discussed above.
[0082] Among the pair of fastening members 51, 51, one fastening
member 51 positioned on the left side of FIG. 6 has a penetration
hole 57, and there is a recess 59 having a larger diameter and
formed at the outer side of the penetration hole 57. On the other
hand, among the pair of fastening members 51, 51, the other
fastening member 51 on the right side of FIG. 6 has a penetration
hole 61, and there is a recess 63 having a larger diameter formed
at the outer side of the penetration hole 61. There are engagement
projections 65, 65, formed at the outer bottom parts of the pair of
fastening members 51, 51 as seen in FIG. 6.
[0083] There is a bolt 71, and this bolt 71 is engaged with the
female screw 47 of the nut 41, penetrating through the recess 59 of
one fastening member 51 positioned on the left side of FIG. 6 among
the pair of fastening members 51, 51, the penetration hole 57, and
the recesses 37, 37 of the pair of intermediate forcing members 31,
31. The engagement of the bolt 71 with the nut 41 forces the nut 41
to move closer to the bolt 71. Accordingly, through interaction
between the pair of taper surfaces 45, 45 of the nut 41, and the
taper surfaces 35, 35 of the pair of intermediate forcing members
31, 31, a force is applied to the pair of intermediate forcing
members 31, 31 to move in the direction so that the pair of
intermediate forcing members 31, 31 is away from each other (to
move in the upward and the downward directions of FIG. 3 and FIG.
6). When the pair of intermediate forcing members 31, 31 moves,
through interaction between the respective taper surfaces 39, 39 of
the intermediate forcing members 31, 31, and the respective taper
surfaces 55, 55 of the pair of fastening members 51, 51, a force is
applied to the pair of fastening members 51, 51 to move in the
direction so that the pair of fastening members 51, 51 is away from
each other (in the widthwise direction of the groove 9).
[0084] The function of the first embodiment will now be explained
with reference to the structure as discussed above.
[0085] First, as illustrated in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the pair of
intermediate forcing members 31, 31 and the nut 41 are assembled.
Namely, the guides 43, 43 formed on the nut 41 become in engagement
with the guide grooves 33, 33 formed on the pair of intermediate
forcing members 31, 31 respectively, whereby an assembly shown in
FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 is obtained.
[0086] Then, as illustrated in FIG. 3, this assembly is placed on
the groove 9 of the one pillar 1, and also the pair of fastening
members 51, 51 is placed on this groove 9 of the one pillar 1. In
this state, the other pillar 1' is placed. When the other pillar 1'
is placed, the above assembly and the pair of fastening members 51,
51 are concealed in the other pillar 1'.
[0087] Thereafter, the bolt 71 is inserted via the penetration hole
21 of the other pillar 1', to be engaged with the female screw 47
of the nut 41, through the recess 59 of one fastening member 51
positioned on the left side of FIG. 6 among the pair of fastening
members 51, 51, the penetration hole 57, and the recesses 37, 37 of
the pair of intermediate forcing members 31, 31. The engagement of
the bolt 71 with the nut 41 forces the nut 41 to move closer to the
bolt 71. Accordingly, through interaction between the pair of taper
surfaces 45, 45 of the nut 41, and the taper surfaces 35, 35 of the
pair of intermediate forcing members 31, 31, a force is applied to
the pair of intermediate forcing members 31, 31 to move in the
direction so that the pair of intermediate forcing members 31, 31
is away from each other (to move in the upward and the downward
directions of FIG. 3 and FIG. 6). When the pair of intermediate
forcing members 31, 31 moves, through interaction between the
respective taper surfaces 39, 39 of the intermediate forcing
members 31, 31, and the respective taper surfaces 55, 55 of the
pair of fastening members 51, 51, a force is applied to the pair of
fastening members 51, 51 to move in the direction so that the pair
of fastening members 51, 51 is away from each other (in the
widthwise direction of the groove 9).
[0088] Thus the engagement projections 65, 65 of the pair of
fastening members 51, 51 become in engagement with the engagement
recesses 11, 11 of the groove 9, whereby the strong joint state can
be obtained.
[0089] The present embodiment has the following merits.
[0090] First, a desired joint state can be obtained by using less
number of parts. In particular, the desired joint state can be
obtained by using the pair of intermediate forcing members 31, 31,
the nut 41, the pair of fastening members 51, 51, and the bolt 71,
which may contribute to easier parts management and lower cost.
[0091] The pair of intermediate forcing members 31, 31, the nut 41,
and the pair of fastening members 51, 51, have been placed on the
groove 9, and concealed by the other pillar 1', and then, a desired
joint state can be obtained by simple engagement of the bolt 71
through the opening 21 of the other pillar 1'. Thus the joint work
may be facilitated, and the reduction of labor and time can be
accomplished.
[0092] Further, because the pair of intermediate forcing members
31, 31, the nut 41, and the pair of fastening members 51, 51 are
placed on the groove 9, and concealed by the other pillar 1', the
stable condition during joint work can be secured.
[0093] The engagement of the engagement projections 65, 65 of the
pair of fastening members 51, 51, with the engagement recesses 11,
11 of the groove 9, serves for strong joint state to each
other.
[0094] The pair of intermediate forcing member 31, 31 and the nut
41 are assembled by engagement of the guide grooves 33, 33 with the
guides 43, 43. Therefore, it is possible to prevent any
misalignment of each part, whereby sufficient stability during
joint work can be secured.
[0095] There are two positions, namely at the upper position and
the lower position of FIG. 6, where the respective force is applied
to the pair of fastening members 51, 51. Thus, it is possible to
prevent the pair of fastening members 51, 51 from being tilted or
deflected.
[0096] A second embodiment of the present invention will now be
discussed with reference to FIG. 7 through FIG. 12. There is one
pillar 101, and the cross section shape of the one pillar 101 is
substantially square, of which center is hollow. Accordingly, there
is a cavity 103 at the center of the one pillar 101. The cavity 103
has been formed elongating in the lengthwise direction of the one
pillar 101. There are other cavities 105, formed respectively at
four corners of the one pillar 101 as seen from the cross section.
These four cavities 105 have also been formed elongating in the
lengthwise direction of the one pillar 101.
[0097] The one pillar 101 has four side faces 107, each of which
having a respective groove 109. There are engagement recesses 111,
111 formed at the both ends in the widthwise direction of the
groove 109.
[0098] Another pillar 101' is vertically abutted against any one
side face 107 selected arbitrarily, of the one pillar 101, so that
each pillar may join to each other. The other pillar 101' has the
same shape as that of the one pillar 101 discussed above, and the
same reference numerals, with additional marking ('), are used for
the same parts in the drawings. There is an opening 121 in one
specified groove 109' of the other pillar 101', and a bolt
(discussed hereinafter) is operated through this opening 121.
[0099] As illustrated in FIG. 9, FIG. 10 and FIG. 12, there is a
pair of fastening members 123, 123, facing oppositely to each other
in the other pillar 101'. The pair of fastening members 123, 123 is
positioned to be movable in the widthwise direction of the groove
109. This groove 109 has been selected arbitrarily among those
formed in the side faces 107 of the one pillar 101. There are guide
surfaces 125, 125, respectively formed on the bottom surface of
each of the pair of fastening members 123, 123, as shown in FIG. 9,
FIG. 10 and FIG. 12. The guide surfaces 125, 125 become in slidable
contact with the bottom surface of the groove 109. As also
illustrated in FIG. 9, FIG. 10 and FIG. 12, there are engagement
projections 127, 127 respectively positioned at the bottom as well
as at the outer end of the fastening members 123, 123. These
engagement projections 127, 127 become in engagement with the
engagement recesses 111, 111 of the groove 109 as discussed
above.
[0100] Each of the outer shape of the pair of fastening members
123, 123 has been formed so as fit to the inner shape of a cavity
103' of the other pillar 101'.
[0101] Further, as illustrated in FIG. 9. FIG. 10 and FIG. 12,
there is a pair of nuts 131, 131 between the pair of fastening
members 123, 123. The pair of nuts 131, 131 has taper surfaces 133,
133, respectively. The tilt angle a .degree. of the taper surface
133 has been set to 20.degree..
[0102] However, this tilt angle is merely for an example purpose,
and not limited to this value.
[0103] There are attachment recesses 135, 135 formed in the pair of
fastening members 123, 123, for attaching the nuts 131, 131
respectively. The pair of nuts 131, 131 has female screws 137, 137
respectively.
[0104] There is a bolt 139 to be engaged with the female screws
137, 137 of the pair of nuts 131, 131. When the bolt 139 becomes in
engagement with the female screw 137, 137 of the pair of nuts 131,
131, the nut 131, which has been positioned on the removed side
from the bolt 139, moves closer to the bolt 139. Thus, a force is
applied to the pair of nuts 131, 131 to move in the outward
direction, through interaction between taper surfaces 133, 133 of
the nuts 131, 131.
[0105] When the force is applied to the pair of nuts 131, 131 to
move in the outward direction, the pair of fastening members 123,
123, positioned at still outside of the pair of nuts 131, 131, is
forced respectively to move in the outward direction. When the
force is applied to the pair of fastening members 123, 123 to move
in the outward direction, the engagement projections 127, 127 of
the pair of fastening members 123, 123 become in engagement with
the engagement recesses 111, 111 of the groove 109. Thus the strong
joint state may be obtained.
[0106] The function of the second embodiment will now be explained
with reference to the structure as discussed above.
[0107] First, as illustrated in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, the bolt
becomes in engagement, not fully but to some extent, with the pair
of nuts 131, 131, so that the integral unit may be assembled.
Thereafter, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the pair of fastening
members 123, 123, the integrally assembled pair of nuts 131, 131 as
discussed above, and the bolt 139, are placed on the groove 109 of
the side face 107 of the one pillar 101. Then the other pillar 101'
is placed, so as to conceal the pair of fastening members 123, 123,
the integrally assembled pair of nuts 131, 131, and the bolt
139.
[0108] After the above work, the outer state will become as that
shown in FIG. 7. Then, through the opening 121 formed in the other
pillar 101', the bolt 139 is further engaged with the pair of nuts
131, 131, by using an unillustrated fitting tool. Thus, as
illustrated in FIG. 11, the nut 131, which has been positioned on
the removed side from the bolt 139, moves closer to the bolt 139.
At that time, through interaction between the taper surfaces 133,
133 of the pair of nuts 131, 131, the force is applied to the pair
of nuts 131, 131 to move in the outward direction.
[0109] When the force is applied to the pair of nuts 131, 131 to
move in the outward direction, the pair of fastening members 123,
123, positioned at still outside of the pair of nuts 131, 131, is
forced respectively to move in the outward direction. Accordingly,
the force is applied to the pair of fastening members 123, 123 to
move in the outward direction, in a state that the guide surfaces
125, 125 are in slidable contact with the bottom surface of the
groove 109. Thus, the engagement projections 127, 127 of the pair
of fastening members 123, 123 become in engagement with the
engagement recesses 111, 111 of the groove 109, whereby the strong
joint state may be obtained.
[0110] The present embodiment has the following merits.
[0111] First, a desired joint state can be obtained by using less
number of parts. In particular, the desired joint state can be
obtained by using the pair of fastening members 123, 123, the pair
of nuts 131, 131, and the bolt 139, which may contribute to easier
parts management and lower cost.
[0112] The bolt 139 which has been in engagement with the pair of
nuts 131, 131, and the pair of fastening members 123, 123, are
placed on the groove 109, and then, concealed by the other pillar
101'. Thereafter, a desired joint state can be obtained by simple
engagement of the bolt 139 through the opening 121 of the other
pillar 101'. Thus the joint work may be facilitated, and the
reduction of labor and time can be accomplished.
[0113] Further, because the bolt 139 which has been in engagement
with the pair of nuts 131, 131, and the pair of fastening members
123, 123, are placed on the groove 109, and then, concealed by the
other pillar 101', the stable condition during joint work can be
secured.
[0114] The interaction between the taper surfaces 133, 133 of the
pair of nuts 131, 131, as well as the engagement of the engagement
projections 127, 127 of the pair of fastening members 123, 123,
with the engagement recesses 111, 111 of the groove 109, serves for
strong joint state to each other.
[0115] There are the attachment recesses 135, 135 formed in the
pair of fastening members 123, 123, for attaching the pair of nuts
131, 131 respectively. Therefore, there is no risk of misalignment
between the positions of the pair of fastening members 123, 123 and
those of the pair of nuts 131, 131, whereby the desired effect as
discussed above can be obtained more securely.
[0116] The present invention is not limited to the first and second
embodiments as discussed above.
[0117] For example, the shape of the pair of fastening members or
nuts is not limited to those disclosed in the drawings.
[0118] Further, the structure of each part may be modified in
various manners as long as they are within the scope of the present
invention.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0119] The present invention relates to a structural member joint
structure for joining, for example, one pillar and another pillar
to each other, in a form that the end face of other pillar is
vertically abutted against a side face of the one pillar. In
particular, the present invention relates to the structural member
joint structure, which can easily join members to each other by
using a simple structure having a reduced number of parts, and
which can provide the members with a large fastening force so as to
make the members less likely to be loosened from each other. For
example, the present invention is suitable for constructing machine
tool rack, by vertically abutting the other aluminum pillar against
the side face of the one aluminum pillar, so that each pillar may
join to each other.
* * * * *